My name is Brandy Cupcakes, and, I like to make things. And buy things made by other people too.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Cast Iron, Cook Books And Peaches

The Husband and I recently decided to kick all of our regular non-stick(coating)pots and pans out of our kitchen and start using items made of more basic materials, like cast iron and copper. There is way too much argument over the safety of pots and pans coated with non-stick coatings for me to feel comfortable using them anymore. So, a few weeks ago, we purchased a Lodge cast iron skillet and began our journey to a kitchen free of non-stick coatings and plastics.

There are many reasons to invest in cast iron cookware. A few of the aspects of cast iron which appeal to me are the non-stick properties of a well cared for piece, the durability and long life, and the versatility. You can use cast iron on the stove top or in the oven. Pretty nifty. Plus, cast iron is so heavy that cooking with it is like a mini workout. No Joke. Not to mention that there's just something about cooking in cast iron that makes food taste better.

Or, maybe that's all in my head. But, I'm not the only one who thinks it's true. So I'm not crazy. Much.

While The Husband was at the library last week, he came across an actual Lodge cookbook, full of delicious sounding recipes and the interesting history behind this iconic American brand. Some of Lodge's cast iron cookware is actually still made here in the States(just be sure to check the labels carefully, if you're looking to buy American made). It is not terribly expensive, and you can get it at your local Wal-Mart, of all places. Of course you can also order online and support the company directly too, if you are not a Wal-Mart shopper.

After perusing all the recipes, we immediately decided that we needed to test out the one for Peach Coffee Cake, since we happened to have an abundance of peaches. The recipe looked super simple and super delicious.

We decided to add a stray plum, that had been hanging around the fridge, to the mix, and oh Lordy, how delicious it was.

I'm not going to reprint the recipe for you, since you really are not supposed to do that sort of thing, but I will post a few photos of the cake, and tell you that it was the most divine coffee cake I have ever made, so that maybe you'll be tempted to locate the cookbook and try a few recipes out for yourself. Trust me, it will be worth your time. The whole book is about simple, filling and delicious food. Comfort food, but also wholesome(for the most part).

Ohmylanta, I am totally salivating while remembering the awesome deliciousness. I think I could eat this every morning for the rest of my life(Or marry it. Or bathe in it).